Symptoms

Serious congenital heart defects usually become evident soon after birth or during the first few months of life. Signs and symptoms could include:

Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis)

Rapid breathing

Flared nostrils

Grunting when breathing

Swelling in the legs, abdomen or areas around the eyes

Shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain

Less serious congenital heart defects may not be diagnosed until later in childhood, because your child may not have any noticeable signs of a problem. If signs and symptoms are evident in older children, they may include:

Easily becoming short of breath during exercise or activity

Easily tiring during exercise or activity

Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet

When to see a doctor

Serious congenital heart defects are often diagnosed before or soon after your child is born. If you notice that your baby has any of the signs or symptoms above, call your child's doctor.

If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of less serious heart defects as he or she grows, call your child's doctor. Your child's doctor can let you know if your child's symptoms are due to a heart defect or another medical condition.

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